Sleeve actuator



Feb. 9, 1932. A, M NIVEN ,844,10l

SLEEVE ACTUATOR Filed March 7. 1927 -llll I I A l Y I N VEN TOR.

' ATTORNEY.

Patented Feb. 9, 1932 .ARCHIE MACPHAIL NIVEN, OF DETROIT,

IVIICHGAN, ASSIGNOR TO CONTINENTAL MOTORS CORPORATION, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF 'VIRGINIA SLEEVE ACTUTOIR Application led March 7, 1927. Serial No. 173,318.

combustion engine known as the single sleeve valve type. In general the ports of this type of engine are controlled by a sleeve valve preferably located between the piston and inside wall of the cylinder, a point on the sleeve moving in a combined reciprocating and oscillating closed path with respect to the cylinder. In order to provide such a sleeve movement many types of driving mechanism might be used, my invention having to do with that portion of the sleeve actuator providing a spherical or universal bearleretofore in order to insert the ball within the socket it has been deemed necessary to either divide the outer member or to cut away the bearing surface of one of the members, the inner member being inserted approximately at right angles in the outer and then rotated into position. Such methods are objectionable since any division of the socket is an added step and also prevents a smooth bearing surface as well as a weakened structure. Cutting away the bearing surface of one of the members obviously reduces the available area of contact.

My invention not only overcomes the difficulties incident to placing the ball operating within the socket but furthermore provides a full area of bearing between the ball and socket without interrupted or cut away portions. `With my device l have found that no oil grooves or other interruptions need be made throughout the area of contact; furthermore my invention obviates any diflicult operation of machining the hollow spherical portion of the socket.

A further feature of my invention resides in a novel method and apparatus for forming my improved sleeve actuator. With the foregoing and other objects in view my invention has among its objects the novel arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter described in detail.

Referring to the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views,

Fig. l represents a sectional elevation view of an engine showing my invention applied thereto in a typical manner,

Fig. 2 is a view diagrammatically illustrating the initial step in the casting operation,

Fig. 3 is a like view showing the completion of the casting operation, and

Fig. e is a section ofa slightly modified bushing. y

ln the drawings which will serve to illustrate a typical embodiment of my invention reference character A represents an engine piston, B the cylinder, C the connecting rod, and D the single sleeve valve adapted to receive a combined movement in the direction of its axis, andcircumferentially, i. e., a combined reciprocating and oscillating movement for controlling the engine ports; such parts being of the usual or other suitable preferred construction.

rlhe sleeve driving mechanism which l have illustrated in connection with my invention consists in a lay shaft 10 from which the cylinder sleeves may be driven, in proper timing relation to the crankshaft, by means of a Worm 11, and wormwhe'el 12, the latter being connected through a shaft 13 .to drive a crank 14.

E represents the ball and socket connection between sleeve D and pin 14, and may be formed by the use of a casting form F shown in Figs. 2 and 3. ln these views 15 is a cylindrical bushing preferably of steel which, according to my invention, is first tinned on the inner surface 16 by the general well known method of tinning a steel surface for taking a Babbitt lining or a lining of equivalent material. By slightly tapering the surface 16 downwardly and inwardly in the position shown the iiow of the babbitt is aided somewhat, although this is not necessary, since the bushing may be formed non-tapering as at 15al in Fig. 4. ln either instance the bushing 15 or 15l is preferably substantially cylindrical. With the bushing 15 located between the die sections 17, 18, the ball 19, preferably of steel, is properly located by positioning and clamping elements 20, 21 and the plunger head 22 placed as shown. The plunger 23 is then depressed, forcing the babbitt at a suitable temperature, through passage 24, to entirely lill the space 25 between the ball 19 and bushing 15 as shown in Fig. 3. It has been found that the amount of pressure applied to the babbitt will to some degree determine the fit of the ball in the socket. The babbitt will adhere to the tinned surface 16 but will not adhere to the surface of the ball 19, ypermittingI the desired free universal movement between these surfaces. The bushing and ball may now be removed as a unit and anv Babbitt iin may be machined off. This unit cannot now become accidentallv separated and mav be conveniently placed and fixed in the sleeve recess 26 with the ball i bore slidable on pin 14 or the actuator bearing may be located at anv other point in the drive to provide the desired movement.

By my invention diicult machining of the parts is avoided, the surface 16 being preferablv a surface of revolution having a straight line as a generatrix and the spherical external surface of ball 19 being readily machined to the proper degree of finish. all before applving thebabbitt. Thus by mv invention the bushing need not be machined spherically. which being an internal surface. would be a difficult operation. Furthermore the babitt will exactlv follow the contour of the spherical head. thus conveniently forming the internal spherical surface.

I desire it understood that mv invention is b v no means limited in its usefulness and scope to the particular driving mechanism or sleeve -valve arrangement as shown. AVarious drives might well be suitable for incorporatingmy invention. especially where. at some point or points in the drive, a ball and socket construction is desired.

What I claim as my invention is 1. A ball and socket structure of the character described, the socket comprising a bushing having an internal surface lined with babbitt. the ball having an external spherical substantially smooth surface contacting with the babbitt, the said internal surface of the bushingI tapering` toward one circumferential edge of the bushing. said lining extended to either side of a plane containing the ball center and extending perpendicular to the axis of the bushing.

2. A ball and socket structure, the socket comprising a one-piece bushing, the internal surface of the bushing being a surface of revolution having a straight line as a generatrix, said internal surface of the bushing provided with babbitt integrally united therewith and presenting an internal substantially4 smooth spherical bearing surface the ball having an external spherical substantially smooth surface contacting with the said internal spherical surface of the babbitt, said Babbitt lining extended to either side of a plane containing the balll'center and extending perpendicular to the laxis of the bushing.

. ARCHIE MACPHAIL NIVEN. 

